Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Prepare for the Business Field With a BSBA Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is a degree that can prepare you for all types of businesses and industry roles. Students looking to get into entry-level business administration jobs can feel confident with a BS in Business Administration (BSBA) program from Grand Canyon University (GCU). The BSBA degree at GCU focuses on several core domains:
- Critical thinking and business communication skills
- Data analysis and information literacy
- Operating a business in business environments
- Ethical, legal and values-driven aspects of business
The focus on these domains ensures that GCU graduates with a bachelor’s in business administration, taken online or on campus, will be taught the skills necessary for effective and productive collaboration, negotiation and teamwork. BSBA students will learn to be strong oral communicators, as well learning to excel in written communications like business proposals, plans and presentations. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree complete a capstone project to demonstrate this business planning and development mastery.
A strong, modern business leader has skills in entrepreneurism and ethical practices — both competencies are woven in the BSBA at GCU. The hands-on coursework completed during this business administration program enables you to learn and study practices that are relevant to modern businesses and corporations.
Benefits of GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Degree Program
By earning your bachelor’s in business administration degree, you will take courses that aim to provide you knowledge and understanding of various business sectors. In your program, you will be instructed on marketing, finance, economics, management and ethical and legal aspects of business, to name a few.
You will be taught about relevant business concepts in courses guided by knowledgeable faculty with experience in business. Degrees from the Colangelo College of Business also embrace the concept of conscious capitalism, promoting ethical business practices and business for the greater good.
Topics Covered in the BS in Business Administration Degree
The on-campus and online BS in Business Administration degree at GCU helps you gain the skills needed to enter into the business field. This starts with learning the fundamentals of business, like accounting, and then moving on to areas such as finance and economics.
The goal of the bachelor’s in business administration (BSBA) program is to prepare you to enter the business field. To do this, you will study:
- Business planning and development
- Production systems
- Finance
- Conscious capitalism
- Business regulation
- Labor markets
- Socially responsible business practices
- Strategizing for best business outcomes
Careers Pathways for Graduates of the BS in Business Administration
As a graduates of the bachelor’s in business administration degree, you may pursue job opportunities across a variety of fields. Personal interest plays a big role in where you may look for work.
Potential careers for bachelor’s in business administration (BSBA) graduates include:
- Administrative services managers
- Compensation and benefits managers
- General and operations managers
- Human resources specialists
- Management analysts
- Sales managers
- Social and community service managers
Business administration degree holders may also choose to continue their education by earning an MBA.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree FAQs
Admission requirements for the BS in Business Administration program are the same as all undergraduate degree-seeking students. Direct-start applicants must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0, or 2.5 with qualifying college entrance exam scores. For detailed information on the admission requirements for this program, visit our Undergraduate Admission Requirements page today.
GCU’s bachelor’s in business administration (BSBA) degree program takes 120 credits to complete. This degree program can be completed online or on campus, with online courses each lasting eight weeks in length and on-campus courses lasting 15 weeks each. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor and better understand your timeframe to earning your BSBA.
There are many similarities between business administration and business management, there are also a few differences. For example, a BSBA program will have courses geared more toward business analytics and investments. Meanwhile, a BSBM program will have courses focusing on topics such as project management.
Students who are more interested in the development, personnel management and customer engagement side of a business may be better suited for a business management degree, while those who are interested in the financial and analytics aspects of business may prefer a business administration program.
BSBA graduates may explore many potential jobs with varying salary expectations. We can look at the management analyst and social and community service roles as examples.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analysts had a median annual wage of $93,000 in May 2021,1 and social and community service managers had a median annual wage of $74,000, as of May 2021.2
A bachelor’s in business administration can be a challenging degree. This degree program focuses on many different areas of business, in the hopes of providing you with a business foundation you can use to excel in the industry. It can be challenging to absorb material that covers all different areas of business, especially when many of them overlap. However, being exposed to a variety of business topics may help you decide which sector you'd like to focus on.
There are various careers you may explore as a BSBA graduate that expect faster than average job growth in the next decade.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for management analysts to increase by about 11% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 108,400 jobs in the field.3
Job growth for social and community service managers is projected to grow by an estimated 12% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.4
If you are ready to start your journey into the business world, join us at GCU for our online or on-campus Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree program. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Management Analysts, as of May 2021, retrieved on May 1, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as management analysts. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Social and Community Service Managers, as of May 2021, retrieved on May 1, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Management Analysts, retrieved on May 1, 2023.
4 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, retrieved on May 1, 2023.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides the foundation of core knowledge within the field of information technology. Topics include technology-centric organizations, the type and role of fundamental information technology systems, data management to include privacy and security, e-business and m-business, hardware, software, and computer networks.
Course Description
In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-144 or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic domestic and global markets including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used for engagement with customers, prospects, suppliers, and internal stakeholders and the communications strategies and tactics needed to build and sustain long-term and mutually satisfying relationships that add value in today’s economy. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology will also be introduced. Prerequisite: MKT-315
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.
Course Description
This course examines basic business analytics concepts for students in nonanalytics degree programs. Emphasis is primarily placed on descriptive analytics topics. Students are introduced to techniques relevant for describing data behavior. Prerequisites: BIT-200, BIT-205, or CST-111; and MAT-274 or BUS-352.
Course Description
This course focuses on the fundamental ideas of microeconomics. Students examine the market forces of supply and demand under different market structures in order to understand how economic agents make decisions about both consumption and production. The structure, conduct, and performance of markets are evaluated through analysis of consumer, producer, and societal welfare. Students explore the topic of factor markets in which the incomes of most workers and owners of capital and property are determined. Prerequisites: ACC-240 or ACC-250 and BUS-352.
Course Description
This course surveys the global business environment with an emphasis on international markets and the global supply chain that impact all organizations and consumers. Students learn about basic international trade and currency issues and strategies to enter global markets successfully. Students focus on communication tools and negotiation tactics to enhance their cultural competence and business acumen.
Course Description
This course focuses on the national economy by examining macroeconomic data measuring national income, the cost of living, production and growth, and unemployment. Students examine the basic functions of the monetary system and analyze the macro economy in terms of long-run economic productivity and growth and in terms short-run fluctuations. The influence and effect of macroeconomic policy is studied within the context of current events. Prerequisite: ECN-361.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
Course Description
This course studies stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other investment vehicles, and their application in investing. The securities market and trading procedures are discussed. The course introduces portfolio theory that is applicable to both professional portfolio management and individual investment decisions. The application of portfolio theory to corporate investments and diversification is also introduced. Prerequisite: FIN-350.
Course Description
This course provides a detailed analysis and interpretation of a firm’s three principal financial statements and their uses from a managerial perspective. Prerequisites: ACC-240, ACC-260, or ACC-350; and FIN-350.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to designing, planning, operating, and controlling production systems. Emphasis is on managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: BUS-352, MAT-274, MAT-374, or ESG-374.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management that includes the gradual development of a comprehensive and integrative business plan. This course is designed to assist students in their development as managers, servant leaders, and successful strategic thinkers. Management, marketing, accounting, finance, economics, global perspectives, law, and political issues are covered during this course. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.